Learning for secondary students

A visit to Westminster Abbey can be a significant event in a student’s education. Through a wide range of guided tours and workshops, we can support their learning of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. You can also take self-led tours – and watch video sessions if you can’t visit.

Our programme for 2018–2019

Westminster Abbey is a living church at the heart of the nation’s story where more than 1000 years of British history and pilgrimage can be explored under one roof. A warm welcome awaits all in this sacred space.

Explore how symbols help Christians to worship in the Abbey and live the Christian life. This tour looks at how symbolic objects, actions, words and images are used in baptism, marriage and funerals.

KS 3-5

Abbey and Parliament

See where Parliament met in medieval times and explore the historical and contemporary links between the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

KS 3-5

Religion in Public Life

Consider what Britain as a 'Christian country' means in the Coronation Church, where Benedictine values of hospitality, mutual respect and tolerance continue to contribute to contemporary society. Additional 'Meet a Priest' workshop recommended.

KS 4-5

Pilgrimage

Why have people come to the Abbey as pilgrims for nearly a thousand years? Find out about the Shrine of St Edward, and consider what pilgrimage means to Christians and offers to all.

KS 3-4

Religion and Science

Some of the greatest, and most controversial, scientists are buried or remembered at Westminster Abbey. This tour explores the relationship between science and religion in the past and today.

KS 3-5

British Values

Democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, respect and tolerance: find out how Westminster Abbey underpins and upholds core British values.

What inspired Henry III to spend the nation's wealth on building Westminster Abbey? Professor David Carpenter (King’s College London) will deliver a lecture on Henry III and answer questions from students afterwards. Discover Henry's devotion to St Edward and visit the Chapter House, scene of Simon de Montfort's first parliament.

KS5

Henry VII: Building a Legacy

Find out how Henry VII established and consolidated his dynasty with this detailed look at the Lady Chapel and the Shrine of St Edward. Tour includes rare access to Henry's tomb.

KS 4-5

The Pre-Reformation Church, 1529*

Examine the state of the church in 1529. Explore themes such as church fabric and wealth, religious doctrine and practice, criticism of the monasteries and popular Catholicism within the context of Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery until 1540.

KS 4-5

Enquiring into Elizabeth*

Discover what sovereignty meant to Elizabeth I as you stand at the Coronation site and find out how her religious settlement affected Westminster Abbey.

KS 4-5

* These sessions can be booked as part of a joint offer with The National Archives at Kew.

Join icon writer Reverend Regan O’Callaghan for a practical class exploring the tradition of icon writing. Using egg tempura, pigments and gold leaf, students will create a beautiful icon and learn about the symbolism of this ancient form of worship.

KS 3-5

Meet a Priest

Put your questions on Christian teaching and moral, ethical and social issues to a member of the clergy. Can be combined with any RE tour of the Abbey.

Self-led visits

Schools are welcome to come and explore the Abbey without a guide on self-led visits. We have trails available to download to support your visit. The trails cover a range of topics, including Church and State, Maths, Tudors, Christianity, Super Scientists and Charles Dickens.

Video-conferencing

Book a video-conference session led by our education officers, and your students can talk to us live, on a topic of your choice. Video-conferences are free of charge and can be booked at a time to suit you. Please call us to discuss your requirements.

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School travel awards 2018/19

Westminster Abbey was nominated as one of the Best Venues for History Learning at the SchoolTravel Awards 2018/19. Organised by School Travel Organiser magazine, the awards recognise those in the education sector who excel in providing exciting and educational trips forPrimary and Secondary schools.

The Shrine of St Edward the Confessor is one of the most powerful features of the Abbey. To stand in the presence of a man who is both a saint and a monarch is awe-inspiring.